iOS 9.3 Beta Introduces iPad Multi-User Support for Education

With this morning’s release of iOS 9.3 beta, developers are unearthing what’s new in this release. One of them is the debut of iPad multi-user support for Education users, as detailed in this preview page.

Apple explains “With the iOS 9.3 beta, you’ll find a preview of new features that will make it even easier for schools to put devices where they’ll have the greatest impact — in the hands of students.”

Here’s what Education iPad users can look forward to:

• Shared iPad for students – Students can log in to any iPad in any classroom and make it their own.New
• Classroom app – Teachers can guide students through a lesson, see their progress, and keep them on track.
• Apple School Manager – Now admins have one portal where they can do everything from create Apple IDs to purchase apps to prepare devices for MDM.
• Managed Apple IDs – A new kind of ID for education, Managed Apple IDs are created and assigned by the school.

Apple explains students will have quick access to materials immediately after logging into their iPads. Intelligent caching means no re-downloading of content on the same assigned iPads, making for a hassle-free experience.

Photo ID will allow teachers to assign students their iPads quickly, just by turning on the device and finding their photo. Younger students will have an easier login, just by using a 4-digit PIN from the lock screen.

A new Classroom app will allow teachers to see what students are viewing on their iPads, launch and lock apps with Remote Control (handy!), share student work via AirPlay to an Apple TV, and easily help students reset passwords remotely.

This update for Education looks to be Apple’s push to sell more iPads and make life easier for schools, students, teachers and administrators.